With the passage of the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill in Washington, the BQE is in the news again! Senator Schumer and mayor-elect Eric Adams have both indicated support for using this unprecedented influx of money to right the wrongs of NYC's urban highways, namely, the Cross Bronx Expressway and the BQE. At a breakfast meeting attended by the BHA this week, Carlo Scissura (former head of the Mayor's Expert Panel on the BQE) called for action in no uncertain terms, saying of the BQE, “It is the most ridiculous, disgusting eyesore. It’s dangerous, it’s polluted, it’s rusted, let’s all chant, ‘tear the BQE down, tear the BQE down.’” He also publicly acknowledged the hard work of BHA and the BQET for our efforts on behalf of the citizens of Brooklyn. AMNY.com quoted the BHA in response: “There finally seems to be a moment where, hopefully, the state and federal government are working together for the benefit of the city,” said BHA executive director Lara Birnback. “The relationship between New York City and Albany is in a better place than it’s been for a long time to make progress on this,” she added. “The communities are ready, willing, and able to be a partner on this work with the city, state, and federal officials.” Read the full AMNY article here. Additional coverage by BK Eagle, Gothamist, and Streetsblog. |
